Three Eberly graduate students honored with service and impact awards
Three graduate students in the Penn State Eberly College of Science have been selected by the J. Jeffery and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School to receive awards for their research and excellence. Sanika Khadkikar has been selected for the Graduate Student International Research Award; Vaibhav Pal has been selected for the Harold K. Schilling Dean’s Graduate Scholarship; and Emma Steinebronn has been selected for the Graduate Student Service Award.
The Graduate Student International Research Award promotes and supports graduate student international research and scholarships that have potential for global impact.
The purpose of the Harold K. Schilling Dean’s Graduate Scholarship is to provide funding and recognition to outstanding graduate students whose course of study is relevant to science, religion, and ethics. Secondarily, if candidates do not meet the primary purpose, the award's purpose is to benefit those students whose studies involve critical societal benefits such as improvement of health, environment, or energy. This annual scholarship was created in memory of Harold K. Schilling, professor and former dean of the Graduate School.
The Graduate Student Service Award, established in 1991, recognizes a graduate student who has best combined high academic achievement with leadership in university or other public activities.
Sanika Khadkikar
Khadkikar is a graduate student pursuing a doctoral degree in physics, with an interest in neutron stars and gravitational wave astronomy. Her research focuses on gravitational-wave astrophysics, and she is building an expertise in relativity and neutron star physics.
Khadkikar’s broader goal is to understand how the universe creates heavy elements that sustain modern technology. Her fields of interest are commonly studied separately but connecting them is essential to understanding matter at extreme densities.
“Sanika Khadkikar embodies the qualities this award is intended to recognize — academic excellence, originality in research, and the ability to build meaningful international collaborations,” said B.S. Sathyaprakash, Bert Elsbach Professor of Physics, in a nomination letter.
The Graduate Student International Research Award will allow her to travel abroad and participate in a set of international research visits that will strengthen her dissertation and Penn State’s role in gravitational-wave astrophysics.
Vaibhav Pal
Pal is a doctoral candidate in chemistry, and his research focuses on the development of new microgel-based biomaterials and studying their properties for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, with potential societal benefits.
“His work demonstrates superior academic performance, addresses issues at the interface of science and ethics, and promises transformative benefits for healthcare,” said Ibrahim Tarik Ozbolat, professor of engineering science and mechanics and biomedical engineering, in a nomination letter. “I have no doubt that Vaibhav will continue to push the boundaries and make significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology in the years to come.”
The potential impact of his work includes regenerative medicine, diabetes therapy, and sustainable biomaterials, which have real-world implications. His goal is to be a part of a multidisciplinary research environment where diverse areas of materials science, chemistry, physics, and biology converge to address complex biomedical problems, such as making viable artificial organs.
Emma Steinebronn
Steinebronn is a graduate student who joined the Department of Physics in the fall of 2021. In her second and third years at Penn State, Steinebronn received the physics department's Service Award. She is extensively involved in outreach, as the outreach coordinator for PAW+ and the Physics and Astronomy for Women student organization.
“In addition to excellent physics research, Emma has engaged in outreach and service across the department, University and wider community.” said Irina Mocioiu, associate professor of physics and director of graduate studies, in a nomination letter.
Steinebronn’s work includes mentoring, whether that be undergraduate students, junior graduate students or anyone in between, and reviving the entirety of the peer mentoring program. Her love for mentoring has translated to her true passion for teaching. In each of her classes, she has received excellent feedback for her ability to create an engaging, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment.